Presenting the results of research conducted by the World Employment Confederation, this article explores the evolving dynamics of workforce management in the APAC region. With organizations facing unprecedented challenges due to technological disruption, talent shortages, and shifting employee expectations, the findings shed light on strategies to foster agility and resilience in the workplace.
Key Insights
High Reliance on Flexible Employees
APAC organizations lead globally in employing flexible workers, with 31% of surveyed companies reporting that over 25% of their workforce consists of flexible employees. This trend reflects a growing need for adaptability in response to volatile business demands12.
Agency Workers Drive Innovation and Production
In APAC, agency workers are primarily relied upon for operations, production, and innovation. This contrasts with other regions where agency workers are more focused on customer service or administrative roles.
Digital Transformation Challenges
APAC organizations are particularly impacted by digital transformation and talent migration. These factors rank among the top challenges for workforce planning in the region, highlighting a need for strategies to address tech disruptions and remote work trends.
Emerging Importance of Green Skills
81% of respondents from APAC indicated that green skills will be increasingly sought after in the next five years. This aligns with global sustainability goals and the region's focus on environmental impact reduction.
Flexibility as a Strategic Imperative
A staggering 92% of leaders across APAC foresee the necessity of creating a more flexible workforce within two years. Strategies such as sectoral talent pools, skills-based hiring, and increased employment of agency workers are deemed critical to achieving this flexibility.
Technology Knowledge Transfer via Agency Workers
Employing agency workers with existing expertise in new technologies is seen as an effective way to transfer knowledge to permanent employees. This approach addresses skill gaps while accelerating tech adoption.
The findings underscore that APAC organizations must embrace workforce flexibility to navigate challenges posed by technological disruption, sustainability demands, and evolving employee expectations. By leveraging flexible employees and agency workers strategically, companies can enhance agility, foster innovation, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
